~ 2014 NHL Season ~

[keithy_19]

what will hurt worse is that you have hossa

The Devils have Hossa?

Yes! We'll get to the finals next year!

[keithy_19]

Playing physical really helped Chicago tonight.

[keithy_19]

One thing the Flyers can take out of this game is that they never gave up. They tend to be able to climb out of a hole fairly quickly. We'll see if they can at least carry that to game 6.

[cougarjake13]

The Devils have Hossa?

Yes! We'll get to the finals next year!





sorry my bad


for some reason i thought you were a blackhawks fan


i think i read your post but saw ritalins avatar

[Ritalin]

I think Hossa's been playing pretty well.

[keithy_19]

sorry my bad


for some reason i thought you were a blackhawks fan


i think i read your post but saw ritalins avatar

It's all good. I want the Hawks to win the cup, so your statement kind of works.

And Hossa has been playing well. It's like he's not forcing the play so much and it's working.

[spoon]

good goal tending in this series

[keithy_19]

good goal tending in this series

I really don't like high scoring games. I'd take a goaltending marathon anyday.

[spoon]

I really don't like high scoring games. I'd take a goaltending marathon anyday.

which is why this series isn't the norm

way too high scoring for ur normal stanley cup war

it's really odd how two teams sneaked in with very weak goal tending to say the least

it usually doesn't happen, but I'm still not sold on the Fleury/Osgood battle last year either

still, this one is just a joke so far

[keithy_19]

which is why this series isn't the norm

way too high scoring for ur normal stanley cup war

it's really odd how two teams sneaked in with very weak goal tending to say the least

it usually doesn't happen, but I'm still not sold on the Fleury/Osgood battle last year either

still, this one is just a joke so far

I miss the Brodeur/Roy games where the goaltending was outstanding. The Brodeur/Gigeure matchup was incredible as well.

[spoon]

shit, I'd take nabakov and halak over this tripe in net

[keithy_19]

shit, I'd take nabakov and halak over this tripe in net

Kind of miss this guy being in Chicago

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/0810/nhl.goalie.masks/images/nikolai-khabibulin(JonathanDaniel).jpg

[spoon]

Philly has LITERALLY been looking for a true number one gt for over a fucking decade now. If they ever got a decent starter since or at least on the level of Hex, they would have won at least a few Cups since 75.

[keithy_19]

Philly has LITERALLY been looking for a true number one gt for over a fucking decade now. If they ever got a decent starter since or at least on the level of Hex, they would have won at least a few Cups since 75.

I was going to say Ron Hextall, but that was a decade ago. Wow. Time flies.

And yeah, it's true. They've can't seem to hold down that position.

[TripleSkeet]

Philly has LITERALLY been looking for a true number one gt for over a fucking decade now. If they ever got a decent starter since or at least on the level of Hex, they would have won at least a few Cups since 75.

Our Stanley Cups from the 80's died in a Porsche wreck.

[El Mudo]

Our Stanley Cups from the 80's died in a Porsche wreck.

They still wouldn't have beaten the Oilers. Even with Lindbergh.

Besides, Hextall won the Conn Smythe when they lost in 87.

[Barnaby Jones]

Philly has LITERALLY been looking for a true number one gt for over a fucking decade now. If they ever got a decent starter since or at least on the level of Hex, they would have won at least a few Cups since 75.

Sir, your abuse of the word "literally" is out of control!

[TripleSkeet]

They still wouldn't have beaten the Oilers. Even with Lindbergh.

Besides, Hextall won the Conn Smythe when they lost in 87.

While I agree with you about 87, I believe Lindbergh wouldve given us a better chance in other years.

[spoon]

Sir, your abuse of the word "literally" is out of control!

You literally got the point jonesy!

[Suspect Chin]

Here we go!

[K.C.]

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Goooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaal!

[K.C.]

Gorgeous hockey!

[Furtherman]

Let's go boys... WIN!

[Ritalin]

Now go out and take it.

Either way, this is going to be a crazy period.

[spoon]

Will the Hossa curse stand!? 5 minutes and it may be BROKEN!:blink:

[Suspect Chin]

holy shit

[Suspect Chin]

Don't really care about either of these teams, but I'd love to see a game 7.

[Suspect Chin]

Hockey is the only sport/tv program that sounds horrible on my tv. The crowd noise levels are way too high.

[KnoxHarrington]

Ol' Dollar Bill Wirtz is looking up from hell and thinking "How much are we paying these guys again?"

[ozzie]

I'm suddenly having those bad Cubs / Marlins, Game 5, 2003 thoughts again.

Please let them find a way to lock this up tonight.

[spoon]

Hockey is the only sport/tv program that sounds horrible on my tv. The crowd noise levels are way too high.

You need a better center channel or balance

[spoon]

Classic Q way of finishing a game (a la Marty Schottnheimer in the NFL). Fuck you Q, I can't believe ur team is soooooo good they may overcome your awful coaching to win a Cup.

[Suspect Chin]

You need a better center channel or balance

Maybe, but every other sport sounds great. I watched game 2 at my parents' house and it was even worse there and they have a full audio system.

[spoon]

Maybe, but every other sport sounds great. I watched game 2 at my parents' house and it was even worse there and they have a full audio system.

no problem here so it can't be the channel

check your levels

[Earlshog]

what!

[Suspect Chin]

what the fuck just happened?

[spoon]

what the fuck just happened?

you won!

[TheGameHHH]

good, fuck the Flyers!

I'm happy for Kane and Madden

[K.C.]

hideous goal.

[Kevin]

So Philly has managed to break the Arod and Hossa curses in like an 9 month span..

Impressive..

[spoon]

hideous goal.

some of the worst goal tending in years this series

[Suspect Chin]

I hope Mojo is happy somewhere.

[monkfish]

Glad they won it on a soft goal. Too bad it had to happen in front of those Philly savages.:clap:

[Barnaby Jones]

That was anti-climactic!

[spoon]

I hope Mojo is happy somewhere.

He'd be more excited by a White Sox win in the regular season.

[Suspect Chin]

Why does Bettman even bother?

[ozzie]

Emrick sounded almost disappointed.

Most somber call of a winning score in a major championship, ever.

I had to make sure I wasn't listening to the Philly feed on xm.

I expected quiet if they won on visitor ice, but not from the booth.

Fuck, I'm ecstatic, and he's killing my buzz.


Seriously... listen to him.

[TheGameHHH]

I love that every crowd, every year boo's gary bettman

[spoon]

Emrick sounded almost disappointed.

Most somber call of a winning score in a major championship, ever.

I had to make sure I wasn't listening to the Philly feed on xm.

I expected quiet if they won on visitor ice, but not from the booth.

Fuck, I'm ecstatic, and he's killing my buzz.


Seriously... listen to him.

agreed

wtf guys!? fuck nbc

[Ritalin]

Doesn't matter to me. The Hawks won the Cup, and the Red Wings didn't.

[Kevin]

Doesn't matter to me. The Hawks won the Cup, and the Red Wings didn't.

Who are the Red wings?

[spoon]

Doesn't matter to me. The Hawks won the Cup, and the Red Wings didn't.

I like your thought process there Rits!

Fuck you Dispy

[keithy_19]

Emrick sounded almost disappointed.

Most somber call of a winning score in a major championship, ever.

I had to make sure I wasn't listening to the Philly feed on xm.

I expected quiet if they won on visitor ice, but not from the booth.

Fuck, I'm ecstatic, and he's killing my buzz.


Seriously... listen to him.

I can assure you that Emrick wasn't disappointed.

No one knew what had happened. The people who are suppossed to show if it's a goal or not did nothing. The signal from the refs were incredibly delayed. The annoucners go off of that. Even whil Chicago was celebrating there was still no official call.

[keithy_19]

The little pow wow with Roenick and company was a bit odd.

[spoon]

The little pow wow with Roenick and company was a bit odd.

moved by his emotion and love for Chicago though

[keithy_19]

moved by his emotion and love for Chicago though

Not saying there was anything wrong with it. And I like how he got consoled. It was kind of nice.

[TripleSkeet]

What an awful way to end it. Oh well, Chicago deserved it. Really wouldve loved a Game 7 though.

[keithy_19]

What an awful way to end it. Oh well, Chicago deserved it. Really wouldve loved a Game 7 though.

I never would have thought the Flyers would get to this far. So, although it means nothing now that they've lost the cup, they still should be kind of happy with themselves.

[cougarjake13]

The little pow wow with Roenick and company was a bit odd.

kinda fucked up by milbury to say dont cry bout it i didnt win either


roenick shoulda knocked his ass out

[Rhah]

Old School - Top Hip Checks of 09-10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFoHlyIfrFc&feature=player_embedded#!

[TonyStark]

Old School - Top Hip Checks of 09-10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFoHlyIfrFc&feature=player_embedded#!
Awesome

[keithy_19]

Johnny Mac in as coach of the Devils.

Halak to the Blues.

[yojimbo7248]

Johnny Mac in as coach of the Devils.

Halak to the Blues.

Can't believe Montreal didn't trade Price instead of Halak. It wasn't an outstanding deal. We get Eller and Schulz in return.

[spoon]

Can't believe Montreal didn't trade Price instead of Halak. It wasn't an outstanding deal. We get Eller and Schulz in return.

Same here! I did however KNOW j mac was getting the nj job bc we hung out with his cousin all week in montreal when playing a hockey tournament up there. Let's just say Ziggy's is a cool fucking hang and the owner and j mac's cousing keep the beer flowing in a big way. Awesome place, people and especially beer.

[keithy_19]

Same here! I did however KNOW j mac was getting the nj job bc we hung out with his cousin all week in montreal when playing a hockey tournament up there. Let's just say Ziggy's is a cool fucking hang and the owner and j mac's cousing keep the beer flowing in a big way. Awesome place, people and especially beer.

I wasn't sure if they would promote him. He has definately paid his dues. I'm happy about this.

[El Mudo]

I don't agree with it, but Halak is an RFA, so I guess they figure someone would have thrown an offer sheet his way. And the guy has played on really, really stellar defensive teams during his time in MTL (especially this year).

Besides, this year's Stanley Cup goaltenders were Antii Niemi and Michael Leighton. And before that it was Marc-Andre Fleury and Chris Osgood. It's not like you need a superstar back there.

[keithy_19]

Devils aquire Jason Arnott from the Predators for Halischuck and a second round pick in the 2011 draft.

Now all they need to do is get Sykora and bring back the 'A' line.

[TheGameHHH]

Devils aquire Jason Arnott from the Predators for Halischuck and a second round pick in the 2011 draft.

Now all they need to do is get Sykora and bring back the 'A' line.

this makes me want to throw up. is stephan richer available?

[keithy_19]

this makes me want to throw up. is stephan richer available?

The Devils are looking to win a cup before Brodeur exits. Arnott provides that second line center and big body we were lacking. He's a character guy too. I don't mind this, though I know it makes the future slightly bleaker.

[spoon]

The Devils are looking to win a cup before Brodeur exits. Arnott provides that second line center and big body we were lacking. He's a character guy too. I don't mind this, though I know it makes the future slightly bleaker.

The guy still plays hard every day and with an edge the devs do in fact need. His only problem of late has been some injuries, but his offense still has been just under a point a game on perhaps an even more defensive first team in Nashville...especially these last few years. He's also been a pretty darn good captain over there as well. I'd like him on my team any day.

[El Mudo]

Schedule is out. (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=532279)

Kinda stupid to have the Caps/Pens play 8 days before the Winter Classic, no?

Carolina's home opener isn't until October 27th...sweet Jesus.....

[Rhah]

Hawks v Wings home opener per usual....

Let's go wings!

[El Mudo]

Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell to the Bruins for Dennis Wideman, the 15th pick, and a third in 2011.

[spoon]

Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell to the Bruins for Dennis Wideman, the 15th pick, and a third in 2011.

I always liked Horton's upside but his mouth never seems to help his team/coach liking him.

[Fallon]

I always liked Horton's upside but his mouth never seems to help his team/coach liking him.

Being on a shit franchise like Florida doesn't help.

B's needed a winger and I'm glad Wideman is gone!

[spoon]

WOW! Just an AWFUL start to the NHL awards show. Snoop Dog screams hockey and his song talking shit and loving yourself sure fit too.

Ha! Jay with a Phoenix Coyotes joke! Nice!

[spoon]

Just an awesome joke ripping the bruins. Oof. Jay is cracking me up here.

[spoon]

Calder should be Myers. Love Duchene though.

[El Mudo]

Hawks dealt Sopel and Byfuglien to the Thrashers for picks/prospects/spare parts.

Pure salary dump...Dale Tallon is beyond a knucklehead for screwing them up so badly. And yet, he still got Florida to hire him.

[spoon]

Hawks dealt Sopel and Byfuglien to the Thrashers for picks/prospects/spare parts.

Pure salary dump...Dale Tallon is beyond a knucklehead for screwing them up so badly. And yet, he still got Florida to hire him.

I still would love to find a way to pry sharp from Q's Hawks. They aren't in great shape cup wise even now.

[Rhah]

And the Hawk dominoes continue to fall:

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/06/blackhawks-trade-fraser-to-oilers.html

[spoon]

a small domino at that

one that is EASILY replaceable

[Rhah]

Shush, I am trying to enjoy my Red Wings offseason!!

[disneyspy]

Shush, I am trying to enjoy my Red Wings offseason!!

its not as long as an avalanche off season

wings will be back at my golf course this fall during training camp,last year sucked cuz of the shortened camp they didnt get a non media day

[spoon]

Shush, I am trying to enjoy my Red Wings offseason!!

Oh man, we ARE NOT going to get along you dirty commie!

:furious:

[Rhah]

Oh man, we ARE NOT going to get along you dirty commie!

:furious:

I already have to deal with my dad and brothers!!! They still live in Chicago, I am a small minority of Chicago Wings fans, haha!

[spoon]

Oh it's worse, I'm an Avalanche fan!

:devil2:

[Rhah]

Oh it's worse, I'm an Avalanche fan!

:devil2:

That's definitely where my Joel Quenneville hate originated, among others...:flush:

[spoon]

That's definitely where my Joel Quenneville hate originated, among others...:flush:

I guess we CAN agree, bc that's where my Q hate originated too. Even he couldn't fuck up the Hawks this year though.

[Rhah]

Since the cat is out of the bag now that I am a Wings fan!!


Red Wings' Datsyuk wins third Selke Trophy
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=532516

[spoon]

...and best haircut.

[Kevin]

Since the cat is out of the bag now that I am a Wings fan!!


Red Wings' Datsyuk wins third Selke Trophy
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=532516

I knew you were Gvac all along...

[razorboy]

Here's to the future All-Star duo of Stammer and Connolly. Dibs on the StevCon nickname.

[keithy_19]

Flyers get Nabokov for a draft pick next year.

How long till he gets injured?

[spoon]

Flyers get Nabokov for a draft pick next year.

How long till he gets injured?

nah, doubt it

best goalie they've had in years easy

[El Mudo]

Considering Nabokov's stature (and age) and how much he made last year, and how the Flyers weren't even able to sign Hamhuis, I rate their chances of signing Nabokov (unless they can find someone stupid enough to take one of their bad contracts off their hands, which I doubt) to be between slim and none. I bet he heads for the K.

Also, if the B's really end up trading Savard (said he would accept trades to Ottawa or Toronto), Peter Chiarelli is the stupidest GM alive. Ever.

[Dan 'Hampton]

Who are you going to drop of the young centers than? Krejci, or Bergeron who will be the captain when Chara leaves? I'll be sad to see savard go but he's a 30+ year old coming off a concussion.

[El Mudo]

Who are you going to drop of the young centers than? Krejci, or Bergeron who will be the captain when Chara leaves? I'll be sad to see savard go but he's a 30+ year old coming off a concussion.

Which Chiarelli didn't see a problem with when he signed him to a 7 year "lifetime contract" last season (with a no-movement clause)

[Dan 'Hampton]

It was limited movement. In reality it was a four year contract at about 6.5. Savard will be fine.

[El Mudo]

It was limited movement. In reality it was a four year contract at about 6.5. Savard will be fine.

Full NTC for this year, partial for 11-12 - 13-14, none past 13-14, annual cap hit just over 4.

The Thomas deal is killing them. Why would you ever give 4 years (not to mention a 5 cap hit) to a 35+ player?

[Fallon]

Which Chiarelli didn't see a problem with when he signed him to a 7 year "lifetime contract" last season (with a no-movement clause)

Bruins did the same with Thornton, signed him to a huge deal and a few months later sent him to San Jose.

[Kevin]

Which Chiarelli didn't see a problem with when he signed him to a 7 year "lifetime contract" last season (with a no-movement clause)



He is only going to live 7 more years?

Poor bastard..

[NickyL0885]

I love how the Isles did at the draft. "El Nino" should, hopefully, be on Tavares's wing. Kirill Kabanov was a STEAL in the third round. Guy would have been top 10 if not for the "russian factor". low risk, high reward.

[Dan 'Hampton]

Bruins did the same with Thornton, signed him to a huge deal and a few months later sent him to San Jose.


Joe Thornton is the softest big man in the league. With Neely taking over operations I think well get back to big bad Bruins. Or at least I hope.

[Kevin]

Joe Thornton is the softest big man in the league. With Neely taking over operations I think well get back to big bad Bruins. Or at least I hope.



The guy the Rangers drafted would have been good for what you wanted.

[Dan 'Hampton]

I would have loved mcilrath but we traded our pic for Horton.

[El Mudo]

I love how the Isles did at the draft. "El Nino" should, hopefully, be on Tavares's wing. Kirill Kabanov was a STEAL in the third round. Guy would have been top 10 if not for the "russian factor". low risk, high reward.

Not really the "Russian Factor" as much as it is the guy is batshit insane (http://www.russianhockeyfans.com/prospects/kirill-kabanovs-free-fall-198.html)

Dude's been through something like FIVE agents already.

If this wasn't enough, on June 6th agent JP Barry left Kabanov. "I wish Kirill all the best", Barry told The Hockey News. "It just wasn’t a fit. We advised him to seek other representation." Before Barry there were three agents with whom Kabanov had parted ways, Don Meehan (and his Russian representative Sergei Isakov), Jay Grossman and Scott Greenspun (Alexei Kovalev's agent).

One of his former agents, Ilya Moliver, shared his thoughts in an interview that was published here at RussianHockeyFans, in which he pointed the finger at Kabanov's father for Kirill's insuccess. "Kirill isn't to be blamed. It's hard to find a common language with his father. He doesn't understand the role of the agent." He also added that "Sergei Kabanov believes that an agent is a player's servant. He doesn't know how to communicate with people. In view of this, he incorrectly educates Kirill. "

As soon as the playoffs started, Kabanov had a very bad game. It can happen, but he went well beyond that. He was benched midway in the second period and didn't come back on the ice in the third one. He was yelled at by two teammates on two different occasions. He took a bad penalty in the first while Moncton was on the PP. He jumped on the ice when he wasn't supposed to be playing. In the second period, another bad penalty when his team had just made it an even game and it cost a goal. He left the penalty box and one of his teammates gave him an earful. He wasn't back with the team in the final stanza, they were losing 3-2. They scored 4 goals in the third period and won 6-3, as reported by C. Fortier.

After the first playoff game, Moncton's head coach Danny Flynn announced that the talented winger wouldn't play in game two. He was then released "so to be able to prepare to skate in the U18 WJC with Team Russia". "I have the feeling that we are better without him, than with him", Flynn declared later. Wildcats' head coach also admitted that Kabanov "is 17, he's coming from a different culture and a different background. He has some things that he has to learn about how we want to play here in Moncton."

[spoon]

Not really the "Russian Factor" as much as it is the guy is batshit insane (http://www.russianhockeyfans.com/prospects/kirill-kabanovs-free-fall-198.html)

Dude's been through something like FIVE agents already.

yah, he's not low risk, in fact it's a HUGE risk if taken top 2 rounds.

at 3 I wouldn't complain, bc he may end up being a steal there IF (AND IT'S A HUGE IF) he grows up and can be coached.


What would Kabanov say to the Islanders fans who view this as a gamble?

"A risky pick? I can promise you ... is there a video camera?" he said, motioning to a tape recorder. After locating a television camera in front of him, Kabonov spoke directly his new fan base.

"I can promise you that I will not leave New York. I can give to all the fans my passport. So they don't think I'll go back to Russia."

Kabanov's a charmer. Funny, honest, willing to acknowledge some faults while attempting to explain away others. And he had a lot of explaining to do as he wore an Islanders jersey over a shirt and tie.

[spoon]

According to a teammate with Moncton of the Quebec League, Kabanov was so obsessed with tattoos that he said he would like to get a new one every week. And then he supposedly came pretty darn close. "Ridiculous," the teammate told NHL FanHouse. "Most of the guys like tats, but Kirill went nuts with them." Kabanov became the illustrated young man while missing half the season with a wrist injury.



Just a strange kid overall I guess. One thing is clear from what I read, he will NOT go back to Russia.

I give him about a couple months of the NY press to change his mind once up with the Isle.

[spoon]

As for the Avalanche 2010 draft, I have mixed emotions. Do I think this Hishon kid could have been snatched in the 3rd or AT LEAST 2nd round? Hell yes. However, I do like that they were just that high on him, his character, skating (ranked top 15 in almost every system) and extremely high energy. What makes me feel better about the pick was who actually dropped to the 4th pick, Calvin Pickard, the topped ranked NA Goalie by most, even with Cambell's rise. Everyone had him going to Phoenix, but they top a shot on a guy Pickard later said was highly underrated. I guess not in Phoenix. Being that the farm is SUPER light with goalies right now in Colorado, Lake Erie and everywhere else our prospects are, they couldn't possibly pass up this opp. If Hishon wasn't taken here by the Avs if they ranked him so highly, he'd surely be gone after (yet probably before).

The next pick that made me happy was the likes of Sami Aittokallio, the number one ranked European goalie. I'm not sure just how good these kids will turn out, but it surely replenishes the Av's farm system at a very weak position. Our D at that level is really good, and we're set for years up the middle at Center with Stastny, Duchene and O'Reilly. Hopefully we can continue to turn coal into diamonds like last year with wingers (Mueller, Porter, Yip) and stock the system there as well. They landed a few in this draft, but most will take some time to even get to the NHL. Last year was EXTREMELY rare to start two 18 year old kids just drafted...especially one from the second round (RARE)!

[El Mudo]

yah, he's not low risk, in fact it's a HUGE risk if taken top 2 rounds.

at 3 I wouldn't complain, bc he may end up being a steal there IF (AND IT'S A HUGE IF) he grows up and can be coached.


I agree with you completely. I wouldn't go near him personally, but if you're a team like the Isles who can afford to take a gamble on a guy like that in the third round, i'd go for it, especially since this was considered a pretty weak draft.

[keithy_19]

Adam Oates is in as assistant coach for the Devils.

[keithy_19]

He was a big part of Stamko's development, and a guy like Oates taking charge of how the powerplay is run could be a very good thing for a team that is in desperate need of help in that area.

[spoon]

Always liked Oates and J Mac....I mean Oatesiecakes and Maclecakes. Should be interesting to see if they can take on these roles on such a tough team to stay with (coaching rotation crazy).

[El Mudo]

Always liked Oates and J Mac....I mean Oatesiecakes and Maclecakes. Should be interesting to see if they can take on these roles on such a tough team to stay with (coaching rotation crazy).

If they can get Marty to play less than 70 games, they should get a trophy.

[spoon]

If they can get Marty to play less than 70 games, they should get a trophy.

I think that window has passed no matter how much rest they get him. Too old and too much offense in the EC right now. They'll HAVE to get better defensively and or more weapons to offset his natural decline.

[Kevin]

I think that window has passed no matter how much rest they get him. Too old and too much offense in the EC right now. They'll HAVE to get better defensively and or more weapons to offset his natural decline.

Martycakes is way too old

[TonyStark]

Tomorrow is going to be NUTS, I'm going to be just trolling on Twitter all day waiting for Dreger and MacKenzie to break news.

[spoon]

twitter sucks

[keithy_19]

Devils resign David Clarkson.

Good. Plays with his all on every shift.

[spoon]

Devils resign David Clarkson.

Good. Plays with his all on every shift.

So do I, the devs should sign me!

:lol:

[keithy_19]

So do I, the devs should sign me!

:lol:

Wait till you're older and the Devils are looking for someone to 'help' them in the playoffs.

[El Mudo]

Lots of stuff going on

-Flyers get Meszaros from Tampa for a 2nd and also re sign Coburn

-Gonchar to Ottawa

-Biron to NYR

-Rumors of a Savard/Regher deal between CGY and Boston, but a lot of shit has to go down to make that happen (both guys have NTCs)

[El Mudo]

Tanguay to Calgary, 1 year, 1.7

[spoon]

Meszaros to Philly for 2nd rounder

wow, philly just robbed TB in my mind but STILL need a GOALIE!

here's what TB gave up not too long ago to get him!

"Ottawa Senators traded Andrej Meszaros to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Filip Kuba, Alexander Picards and a 1st round selection in 2009."

[El Mudo]

Meszaros to Philly for 2nd rounder

wow, philly just robbed TB in my mind but STILL need a GOALIE!

here's what TB gave up not too long ago to get him!

"Ottawa Senators traded Andrej Meszaros to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Filip Kuba, Alexander Picards and a 1st round selection in 2009."


Its a salary dump. Meszaros is on the hook for 4 million each of the next four years.

[El Mudo]

Apparently, Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh are battling for the soul of Paul Martin

[El Mudo]

Zbynek Michalek to the Pens, 5 and 20.

Could mean they're out of the Martin/Hamhuis game now.

[spoon]

Zbynek Michalek to the Pens, 5 and 20.

Could mean they're out of the Martin/Hamhuis game now.

Defenceman Zbynek Michalek has signed a five-year, $20 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

This means that they'll probably be out of the Martin bidding war and I'm a sad panda.

I wanted Zbynek for the Avs BAD!

fuck

[El Mudo]

Defenceman Zbynek Michalek has signed a five-year, $20 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

This means that they'll probably be out of the Martin bidding war and I'm a sad panda.

I wanted Zbynek for the Avs BAD!

fuck

Yeah they're out of the Martin and Hamhuis game now. Z was their booby prize.

EDIT:

Or maybe not:

@Rossi_on_Pens @Russostrib Pens very interested on Martin. They have room for him and vet winger, I’m told. Offers made.

[El Mudo]

Dan Ellis to Tampa

Paul Martin to Pittsburgh

[spoon]

Dan Ellis to Tampa

Paul Martin to Pittsburgh

Just wow on the Martin signing. Phoenix and Pitt are cleaning up right now, even if Pitt did lose Gonchar too.

[El Mudo]

Hamhuis to Vancouver

Volchenkov to New Jersey

[El Mudo]

Some things i've learned today:

-Ray Shero is really good at what he does. Really, really good.

-George McPhee is the most maddening GM on the face of the planet

-Toronto (Colby Armstrong at 3 and 3 per), Calgary (bringing back Jokinen AND Tanguay when they're already capped out), the Rangers (signing Boogaard to a multi year deal) and the Flyers (signing Jody Shelley in addition to getting Meszaros and signing Coburn when they're already pretty much capped out), have all lost their got-damn minds.

-I like the numbers on the Volchenkov deal (4.25 cap hit), but the term is wayyy too long (6 years). Dude's a good defenseman, but he hasn't played more than 70 games since 2006-07, and he brings absolutely nothing offensively. Tallinder was a good pickup though.

[spoon]

Here's the reason the Avs are pretty quiet today:

2010 projected lineup

Galiardi-Stastny-Stewart
Mueller-Duchene-Hejduk
Jones-O’Reilly-Yip
Winnik-Stoa-McLeod-Koci-Porter-Dupuis ????

Hannan-Quincey
Cumiskey-Foote
Liles-Wilson

Anderson-Budaj


Not Stanley Cup ready, but pretty solid to build off a first round playoff year. I like it but don't be surprised if they make a move on D somewhere, trade or sign or a combo.

[spoon]

WTF are the rangers thinking?! WOW, just wow!

Jul 1 Boogaard, Derek LW Minnesota NY Rangers $6.5M 4 $1.625M per year

[spoon]

Vanc adding lots of role players and back end D men. Looks like they're making a charge to get better in the special areas of the game for the playoff run.

[Rhah]

And more Chicago cup pieces fall... .Versteeg gone.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=533525

Ladd gone.

http://www.ajc.com/sports/blackhawks-trade-ladd-to-562522.html

[El Mudo]

Vanc adding lots of role players and back end D men. Looks like they're making a charge to get better in the special areas of the game for the playoff run.

They're going to be REALLY good next year. Plus, if they need to add someone they've got prospects (like Schroeder, Schneider, Hodgson and Shirokov) they can deal.

[keithy_19]

I'm disappointed the Devils couldn't re-sign Martin, but I am happy with the signings they made which add much needed toughness to our defense.

I'm actually more upset that we waived Pandalfo. It's mostly sentimental, but the guy was good at killing penalties and had such heart when he played. Lemaire really pissed me off with how he treated him during the playoffs. I don't think the series would have turned out differently if Pando was in the lineup, but he would had helped.

Oh well. Still holding out hope that they sign Kovy, though I know it's a long shot.

[razorboy]

Its a salary dump. Meszaros is on the hook for 4 million each of the next four years.

It's better than a salary dump. They dumped Meszaros (who is God awful), picked up a second and brought Kubina back for .15 mill less.

[El Mudo]

It's better than a salary dump. They dumped Meszaros (who is God awful), picked up a second and brought Kubina back for .15 mill less.

Yup. Yzerman is making some really good moves out there. I so wanted Kubina in DC.

[keithy_19]

Report:Kings out of Kovy sweepstakes. (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=533765)

So it's down to the Islanders and Devils I guess. I hope Long Island sinks.

[NickyL0885]

Report:Kings out of Kovy sweepstakes. (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=533765)

So it's down to the Islanders and Devils I guess. I hope Long Island sinks.

Thems fightin' words! I'd love the Isles to get him though. Kovy and JT on a line......wow....

[keithy_19]

Thems fightin' words! I'd love the Isles to get him though. Kovy and JT on a line......wow....

They certainly are.

I don't have anything against the Islanders. I just want Kovy on my team.

[keithy_19]

Thems fightin' words! I'd love the Isles to get him though. Kovy and JT on a line......wow....

Kovy-Arnott-Elias.

Nice. Makes everyone a better.

[El Mudo]

Thems fightin' words! I'd love the Isles to get him though. Kovy and JT on a line......wow....

He's going to the Islanders. They're the only team that can afford him (he wants 10 and a hundred).

Hell...they're still 10 million dollars under the salary cap FLOOR.

[spoon]

lots of rfa's still out there, i wonder if anyone will take a shot on some of them due to the small and low level ufa class this year

it's a steep price, but some good young talent out there to say the least

[TheGameHHH]

I'm hearing Kovalchuk to the Devils for 7 years and $60 million, deal could be done by tonight.

[El Mudo]

I'm hearing Kovalchuk to the Devils for 7 years and $60 million, deal could be done by tonight.

Yeah that's what TSN is reporting. Shows how much I know. Guess he figured he has a better chance to win in NJ even if he has to take a bit less money.

Also, Bob Probert is dead, and that kinda bums me out (http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=326672)

RIP big man

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[razorboy]

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/jul/05/051708/lightning-sign-defenseman-brett-clark/sports-lightning/

Clark signs with Tampa Bay for a two year $2.6 million contract. I don't love Clark, but for the years/money he's a pretty good 5/6 blueliner.

[Rhah]

:down: Probert

[El Mudo]

:down: Probert

I think this is my favorite Probert fight...vs. Craig Coxe.

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Poor Coxe got pummeled (especially at the end) but all the credit in the world to the guy for standing in there the whole time.

[keithy_19]

I read somewhere that Kovalchuk bought a home in Alpine, New Jersey. I've tried to find a source but to no avail.

I just want this to be done with.

[El Mudo]

Halak signs with the Blues...4 and 15.

[spoon]

I read somewhere that Kovalchuk bought a home in Alpine, New Jersey. I've tried to find a source but to no avail.

I just want this to be done with.

This is NOTHING compared to the LeBron bullshit. I can't stand everything the NBA represents.

[keithy_19]

This is NOTHING compared to the LeBron bullshit. I can't stand everything the NBA represents.

I completely agree with you. This NBA off season has just made the big off season free agents look awful, weith the exception of Amare.

[spoon]

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/jul/05/051708/lightning-sign-defenseman-brett-clark/sports-lightning/

Clark signs with Tampa Bay for a two year $2.6 million contract. I don't love Clark, but for the years/money he's a pretty good 5/6 blueliner.

I would have paid for his flight out to do this last year! :clap:

[El Mudo]

According to reports out of Russia, the Flyers have signed Nik Zherdev.

They're like a car wreck at this point....I want to look away but I just keep staring in awe at what they're doing because I can't believe it.

[spoon]

Do they think they found a loophole in the cap or something? I'm not getting how this is going to work. Gagne is going to a team on the cheap in a big BIG way.

[El Mudo]

Do they think they found a loophole in the cap or something? I'm not getting how this is going to work. Gagne is going to a team on the cheap in a big BIG way.

There's a "cushion" teams have until the beginning of the season. I believe they can go 10% over the cap, but they have to be absolutely below the cap by the time the season starts.

[spoon]

There's a "cushion" teams have until the beginning of the season. I believe they can go 10% over the cap, but they have to be absolutely below the cap by the time the season starts.

that I know, i mean in order to be above it for the season

for some reason I'm awaiting a Lou Lamoriello type clause.

[keithy_19]

If Kovy goes to the Kings or to the KHL, I will punch a baby.

[keithy_19]

And really NHL.com? On their home page they have a picture of Kovy along the devils bench and the text reads, 'WELCOME BACK!'

Only to say underneath that the kings are negotiating with him again.

Christ that is an awful headline.

[weekapaugjz]

sabres resigned patrick lalime as their backup goalie again. FUCKING RETARDS. he has like 9 wins in the last 2 seasons combined. he is fucking worthless. and it was a really great idea to let two of the top four defensemen on the team go (for very reasonable contracts to other teams). 12th place in the east here we come!

[El Mudo]

sabres resigned patrick lalime as their backup goalie again. FUCKING RETARDS. he has like 9 wins in the last 2 seasons combined. he is fucking worthless. and it was a really great idea to let two of the top four defensemen on the team go (for very reasonable contracts to other teams). 12th place in the east here we come!

Just gotta assume Miller will have to play 70+ again.

[Kevin]

Sure took long enough..

ESPN.com news services

Ilya Kovalchuk is staying with the New Jersey Devils.

"Ilya is excited to be continuing his career with New Jersey and knows first-hand the team's dedication and commitment to winning," Jay Grossman, president of PuckAgency, which represents Kovalchuk, said in a statement.

The Devils said they would have media availability with Kovalchuk on Tuesday.

[razorboy]

Well, Eklund is generally an inaccurate moron, but he's saying that Gagne has been traded to the Lightning. I guess we'll see if it's true, and for what.

[TheGameHHH]

Did I read this correct that it's a 17 year deal with Kovy?

[razorboy]

Well, Eklund is generally an inaccurate moron, but he's saying that Gagne has been traded to the Lightning. I guess we'll see if it's true, and for what.

Ahhhh. Matt Walker and a 4th? Philly and Holmgren just got hosed.

[Kevin]

Did I read this correct that it's a 17 year deal with Kovy?



Its like the Hossa deal, Its front loaded and wont be much after year 10 or so.

[Kevin]

Ahhhh. Matt Walker and a 4th? Philly and Holmgren just got hosed.



Wow thats pretty bad, but you gotta take Gagne's health history into consideration.

If he is healthy its a steal.

[razorboy]

Wow thats pretty bad, but you gotta take Gagne's health history into consideration.

If he is healthy its a steal.

Yeah, I agree about the injury issues, but I'm inclined to consider a steal either way for that price.

[keithy_19]

Finally. Good.

[El Mudo]

Ahhhh. Matt Walker and a 4th? Philly and Holmgren just got hosed.

They had to. That knucklehead Holmgren took on Meszaros' absurdly terrible contract (4 each of the next 4 years), decided to sign Jody Shelley to a 1m+ contract for some reason, and they also signed Zherdev for 2. Someone had to be dumped.

Its like the Hossa deal, Its front loaded and wont be much after year 10 or so.

In annual salary. Cap hits don't change though. It will still be a 6 cap hit in 2026-27 (the last year of the deal) when his annual salary is only 550k. (http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=339)

Also:
(http://www.capgeek.com/news/20100702-nine-nhl-teams-face-salary-cap-penalties-performance-bonuses.php)
The Chicago Blackhawks aren't the only team operating with a significant reduction of their 2010-11 cap space courtesy of performance bonuses.

Sources tell capgeek.com nine teams will face a cap reduction this coming season because performance bonuses earned pushed them past the upper limit in 2009-10. The Blackhawks lead the way by a long shot at an estimated $4.15 million, but the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs are getting hit hard too.

The Bruins face a penalty in the range of $1.75 million and the Maple Leafs are next at $1.4 million. Other notable penalties include the Edmonton Oilers, at $354,500, and the San Jose Sharks, at $327,500. Four other teams — the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings — face reductions of less than $100,000. Following is a complete list of estimates.

1. Chicago Blackhawks, $4,157,753
2. Boston Bruins, $1,759,795
3. Toronto Maple Leafs, $1,400,000
4. Edmonton Oilers, $354,500
5. San Jose Sharks, $327,500
6. Vancouver Canucks, $90,000
7. Pittsburgh Penguins, $83,979
8. Montreal Canadiens, $68,751
9. Detroit Red Wings, $50,000

All nine teams were pushed against the upper limit in part because of long-term injuries and then past it when performance bonuses were achieved.

[Rhah]

Numbers for the deal...article is pretty harsh on it as way to abuse cap system.

Update: Here are the year-by-year payments:

2010-11: $6 million
2011-12: $6 million
2012-13: $11.5 million
2013-14: $11.5 million
2014-15: $11.5 million
2015-16: $11.5 million
2016-17: $11.5 million
2017-18: $10.5 million
2018-19: $8.5 million
2019-20: $6.5 million
2020-21: $3.5 Million
2021-22: $750,000
2022-23: $550,000
2023-24: $550,000
2024-25: $550,000
2025-26: $550,000
2026-27: $550,000

http://deadspin.com/5590836/ilya-kovalchuks-17+year-contract-is-so-so-illegal-and-the-nhl-cant-do-anything-about-it

[keithy_19]

For a team that hardly ever spends money, fuck it. It's about time.

[El Mudo]

For a team that hardly ever spends money, fuck it. It's about time.

As of now, they're about 1.8 million over the cap. Someone *cough*Zubrus*cough* is going to have to go. Its gotta either be him or Salvador, because everyone else with a large contract (Elias, Rolston, Arnott, Langenbrunner, and White) has a no trade clause. Plus, Parise's up at the end of this year. Maybe they can find a team that needs to get to the cap floor (like the Islanders) that they can dump Zubrus or Salvador on.

That Rolston contract is a killer. Two years left on a 4 and 20.5 for a 35+ player, which means that even if he retires, they still have that cap hit.

[TheGameHHH]

For a team that hardly ever spends money, fuck it. It's about time.

And the NHL rejected the contract........sweet

We can allow DiPietro and Ovechkin but clearly this is too long, really?

[Kevin]

And the NHL rejected the contract........sweet

We can allow DiPietro and Ovechkin but clearly this is too long, really?



Its not about the length..

They said it got around the cap because of the length..

If the Devs had the cap room, years would not matter.

[TheGameHHH]

Its not about the length..

They said it got around the cap because of the length..

If the Devs had the cap room, years would not matter.

its not about the length but got around the cap BECAUSE of the length? All I've heard so far from ESPN and thehockeynews.com is the NHL rejected it because they dont believe Kovalchuk will be playing in the final years of his deal, thus meaning they believe the length is too much.

[Kevin]

its not about the length but got around the cap BECAUSE of the length? All I've heard so far from ESPN and thehockeynews.com is the NHL rejected it because they dont believe Kovalchuk will be playing in the final years of his deal, thus meaning they believe the length is too much.



The amount of years brought down the avg salary and cap hit to 6mil instead of like 10 if it were a 10 year deal or what not.

[TheGameHHH]

The amount of years brought down the avg salary and cap hit to 6mil instead of like 10 if it were a 10 year deal or what not.

right, and it did.......legally. its not a 10 year deal, its a 17 year deal

[Kevin]

right, and it did.......legally. its not a 10 year deal, its a 17 year deal



Yea but I think the NHL worries that teams would follow and just sign guys to long deals with very low final years and front load it, thus making the cap usless.

Hello Rangers?

[Kevin]

Though im not sure how that works..

Don't the cap hits go year by year or do the avg it?

[TheGameHHH]

Yea but I think the NHL worries that teams would follow and just sign guys to long deals with very low final years and front load it, thus making the cap usless.

Hello Rangers?

And thats something they need to discuss during the next CBA.

Im not 100% sure how it works but if theres a legal flaw exposed in it, the Devils should not be penalized because of said "flaw". Fix it next time you sit down to reach your CBA

[Kevin]

And thats something they need to discuss during the next CBA.

Im not 100% sure how it works but if theres a legal flaw exposed in it, the Devils should not be penalized because of said "flaw". Fix it next time you sit down to reach your CBA



Can't the commish step in and use his "for the good of the game" power and reject it?

[TheGameHHH]

Can't the commish step in and use his "for the good of the game" power and reject it?

to reject the contract or reject the NHL's ruling? either way I have no idea if he can or can't do that

[Kevin]

to reject the contract or reject the NHL's ruling? either way I have no idea if he can or can't do that



Reject anything deemed toxic to the sport, even though it did not technicaly break any rules.

I hear it thrown around alot with Selig..

Not sure about NHL

[TheGameHHH]

Reject anything deemed toxic to the sport, even though it did not technicaly break any rules.

I hear it thrown around alot with Selig..

Not sure about NHL

If that's the case in 2021, I'd like to attend a Blackhawks game w/ Bettman to cheer on 42-year-old Marian Hossa and his $750K salary

[Kevin]

If that's the case in 2021, I'd like to attend a Blackhawks game w/ Bettman to cheer on 42-year-old Marian Hossa and his $750K salary



I'd like to see where both teams were at cap wise during the two moves.

[Kevin]

Hossa's deal is not nearly as bad as This one.

Ilya is making nothing for 6 years of the deal, where Hossa is really only 2

[TheGameHHH]

Hossa's deal is not nearly as bad as This one.

Ilya is making nothing for 6 years of the deal, where Hossa is really only 2

It doesn't matter, who are you or the NHL to draw that line? There's nothing stated anywhere that 6 years of shitty pay or 2 years of shitty pay in a front loaded contract can't be done. It's that simple. Is 3 years ok? Is 4? What about 5?

[Kevin]

It doesn't matter, who are you or the NHL to draw that line? There's nothing stated anywhere that 6 years of shitty pay or 2 years of shitty pay in a front loaded contract can't be done. It's that simple. Is 3 years ok? Is 4? What about 5?



Sorry game..

I think this was the right move.

It would have made a loophole and helped my team immensly, but it would prob drive the nail in the coffin for the league..

It would allow the big teams to do what they want and really fuck the small market..

Say Crosby becomes a FA...

Whats stopping the Rangers from offering 15mil a year for like 5 years and 500k for 12...

Is Pitt going to be able to match that?

[TheGameHHH]

Sorry game..

I think this was the right move.

It would have made a loophole and helped my team immensly, but it would prob drive the nail in the coffin for the league..

It would allow the big teams to do what they want and really fuck the small market..

Say Crosby becomes a FA...

Whats stopping the Rangers from offering 15mil a year for like 5 years and 500k for 12...

Is Pitt going to be able to match that?

First off, in your hypothetical I dont care if Pitt can match it or not. If they can't, let him go to the Rangers. I dont care if NY offers him 20 million for the first 5 years then $1,000 a year for the next 100 years.

Second, when has NJ EVER been a big bad bully with huge pockets pushing around small market teams? I've never once, in all my years, seen them go after a FA and drop 100 mil. If LA did it to Kovy then guess what? Good for them. It's their deal to live with.

It's absolutely not the right move. They got exposed and now they're trying to backpeddle. It's garbage

[Kevin]

First off, in your hypothetical I dont care if Pitt can match it or not. If they can't, let him go to the Rangers. I dont care if NY offers him 20 million for the first 5 years then $1,000 a year for the next 100 years.

Second, when has NJ EVER been a big bad bully with huge pockets pushing around small market teams? I've never once, in all my years, seen them go after a FA and drop 100 mil. If LA did it to Kovy then guess what? Good for them. It's their deal to live with.

It's absolutely not the right move. They got exposed and now they're trying to backpeddle. It's garbage



I dont agree.

It would kill the sport.

Hockey isnt big enough to withstand teams losing fanbases because their teams cant compete.

They would go under.

Hell, they are having a hard time as it is.

They don't have money coming in like MLB from fox and espn.

[Snoogans]

I dont agree.

It would kill the sport.

Hockey isnt big enough to withstand teams losing fanbases because their teams cant compete.

They would go under.

Hell, they are having a hard time as it is.

They don't have money coming in like MLB from fox and espn.

last time i checked, the Devils didnt have some massive fan base and tons of profit. plus they are still paying for that arena. If they can do this, im sure most teams can.

And if it dies, it dies. Fuck it. Sucks balls now anyway

[Snoogans]

id agree with you kevin if they hadnt already let teams do it. If they had shut this shit down as soon as they realized, then fine. but they let a couple teams do it, and now said no to another team. So THAT is bullshit. Now the devils get fucked but the other teams that did are ok?

[keithy_19]

id agree with you kevin if they hadnt already let teams do it. If they had shut this shit down as soon as they realized, then fine. but they let a couple teams do it, and now said no to another team. So THAT is bullshit. Now the devils get fucked but the other teams that did are ok?

The highups in the NHL are shit and have been for so long.

[El Mudo]

I agree with McKenzie....no deal has ever been this long, taken a player to the age of 44, nor offered so many years at such a low salary. Hell...the last six years of the deal he's making less than a million in AAV.

Plus, it also seems kinda fishy that the Devils capologist is Steve Pelligrini, who:

Oddly, the Devils’ “cap guru”, vice president of hockey operations Steve Pellegrini, used to work for the NHL as the league’s cap regulator and knows the CBA inside and out.

It's a pretty clear cut attempt to exploit a loophole. I just don't agree with the league's contention that it was "too difficult" to prove the Hossa and Pronger deals weren't done in "good faith".


I also wouldn't discount the fact that Lou HATES the deal.

[Rhah]

I brought up that thread that suggested it was to get around cap...

but the solution isn't a ruling on high from commish dammit... fix the damn system. You know he can't avoid playing favorites when approving contracts from some but not others.

He'd probably give Cindy a 30 year contract.

[Kevin]

Look, Bettman is the worst commish in sports..

He should not have let Hossa, Luango, Pronger and other deals go through because it was basicaly doing the same thing.

The NHL has warned teams not to do this for a while now.

And the Ilya deal just went over the edge.

I think the NHL had to put a stop to it.

If you want to tell me that the NHL should now go void those other deals, I am all for it.

But not voiding those deal still does not change that fact that this deal was a flat out attempt to get around the cap, almost HALF the contract is worth shit.

Just because you looked past mistakes in the past, does not mean you should keep doing them.

Now they have to not allow any other deal of this sort from happening or this whole thing was a bigger farce than it already is.

[El Mudo]

Look, Bettman is the worst commish in sports..

He should not have let Hossa, Luango, Pronger and other deals go through because it was basicaly doing the same thing.

The NHL has warned teams not to do this for a while now.

And the Ilya deal just went over the edge.

I think the NHL had to put a stop to it.

If you want to tell me that the NHL should now go void those other deals, I am all for it.

But not voiding those deal still does not change that fact that this deal was a flat out attempt to get around the cap, almost HALF the contract is worth shit.

Just because you looked past mistakes in the past, does not mean you should keep doing them.

Now they have to not allow any other deal of this sort from happening or this whole thing was a bigger farce than it already is.


Pronger's deal is a 35+ contract. Even if he retires, it still counts against the Cap. You can make the arguments that the Hossa deal (will be 42 when its over, and the deal never goes below a million dollars, even in the last 4 years), and the Luongo deal (last three years are a million 6, and a million apiece) are both "good faith" deals.

There have been eight players in the ENTIRE HISTORY of the NHL that have played to the age of 44. 4 of them were goaltenders. One was Gordie Howe playing with his sons.


From BTN (http://www.behindthenethockey.com/2010/7/21/1579736/why-ilya-kovalchuks-contract-was)

But it should be pretty clear why the contract was rejected. There are nine existing contracts that 'violate the spirit of the CBA' by de-escalating a player's salary over a number of years to reduce his salary cap hit. Those contracts are:


End Age Years Value
Lecavalier 38.7 11 85
Hossa 41.0 12 62.8
Keith 38.5 13 72
Zetterberg 39.2 12 73
Luongo 41.7 13 71
Franzen 39.0 11 43.5
Pronger 41.2 7 34.45
Ohlund 38.3 7 25.25
Savard 38.5 7 28.05

Kovalchuk 43.7 17 102

As you can see, Kovalchuk's was the longest of the group, and it took him almost to age 44, two years longer than the other contracts. We can see the progression of these contracts by age:

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/398640/aav_medium.jpg



Everything about Kovalchuk's contract is just a bit more extreme than every other contract that came before it. The length, the end age, the ratio of high-to-low salary - they all looked worse than anything any other team had tried before. Or, more specifically, they made a larger end run around the CBA than anyone had ever tried before

[Kevin]

Pronger's deal is a 35+ contract. Even if he retires, it still counts against the Cap. You can make the arguments that the Hossa deal (will be 42 when its over, and the deal never goes below a million dollars, even in the last 4 years), and the Luongo deal (last three years are a million 6, and a million apiece) are both "good faith" deals.

There have been eight players in the ENTIRE HISTORY of the NHL that have played to the age of 44. 4 of them were goaltenders. One was Gordie Howe playing with his sons.


From BTN (http://www.behindthenethockey.com/2010/7/21/1579736/why-ilya-kovalchuks-contract-was)

It had to stop somewhere, and unfortunatly for Kovlechuch and the Devs, it just happened to be them.

[El Mudo]

It had to stop somewhere, and unfortunatly for Kovlechuch and the Devs, it just happened to be them.


I think Lou hating the deal publicly had a lot to do with it.

I mean, its not like they also have no other options. They can restructure it and resubmit it, or they can go to an arbitrator.

[Kevin]

I think Lou hating the deal publicly had a lot to do with it.

I mean, its not like they also have no other options. They can restructure it and resubmit it, or they can go to an arbitrator.

So who made this deal if it was not Lou?

Was it the owner or someone else?

Lou practicaly owns the team now, i would think he would have say on the deal if he did not like it.

[El Mudo]

So who made this deal if it was not Lou?

Was it the owner or someone else?

Lou practicaly owns the team now, i would think he would have say on the deal if he did not like it.

Lou's comments (http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/kovalchuk_re-signing_signals_new_era_for_devils_under_owner_jef f_vanderbeek/)

Although Lamoriello was strongly in favor of re-signing Kovalchuk, he also made it clear that he wasn’t a big fan of exploiting a loophole in the CBA and the salary cap by giving Kovalchuk the 17-year, $102 million contract.

For years, Lamoriello was the only one calling the shots on these kind of decisions. But he said this one was “the commitment that ownership has made.”

The man squarely behind it was Devils chairman and managing partner Jeff Vanderbeek, who was beaming at today’s news conference.

And this one (http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/lou_lamoriello_admits_kovalchuk_contract_shouldnt_ be_part_of_nhl1/)

While saying the Devils did nothing illegal in signing Ilya Kovalchuk to a 17-year, $102 million contract, general manager Lou Lamoriello admitted that such a deal was bad for the NHL and should be eliminated in the next CBA.

I asked Lamoriello what he would think if someone brought up Kovalchuk’s contract in the next round of CBA negotiations (in two years) and pointed to it as a flaw.

“I might agree,” he said. “But there is nothing that we have done wrong. This is within the rules. This is in the CBA. There are precedents that have been set. But I would agree we shouldn’t have these. But I’m also saying that because it’s legal and this is something that ownership felt comfortable doing for the right reasons.”

It was clear that ownership—headed by Jeff Vanderbeek—was behind this particular contract. Not that Lamoriello didn’t endorse bringing Kovalchuk back.

Still, Lamoriello said he “absolutely” rolled his eyes when the Islanders signed Rick DiPietro to a 15-year contract in 2006 and when Washington signed Alex Ovechkin to a 13-year contract in 2008. He also said he “absolutely” rolled his eyes when Kovalchuk’s contract was completed.

So why would he sign Kovalchuk to such a deal?.

“You’d have to speak to ownership about that,” Lamoriello said. “The commitment that ownership has made here, this is a commitment and a decision they wanted to make for this type of a player and all I can do is say whether the player is a player that will fit into the team, can help the team and is not a risk as a player. As far as what the financial commitment is and that aspect of it, that was out of my hands.”

[Kevin]

Lou's comments (http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/kovalchuk_re-signing_signals_new_era_for_devils_under_owner_jef f_vanderbeek/)



And this one (http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/lou_lamoriello_admits_kovalchuk_contract_shouldnt_ be_part_of_nhl1/)

IS Lou getting or being attempted to get boxed out by Vanderbeek?

If so, would Lou leave?

I think there would be a line down the block to Lou's house if he ever left the Devs

I would not be happy about this if I were a Devs fan.

[El Mudo]

IS Lou getting or being attempted to get boxed out by Vanderbeek?

If so, would Lou leave?

I think there would be a line down the block to Lou's house if he ever left the Devs

I would not be happy about this if I were a Devs fan.


I don't know enough about the situation. But Lou really isn't a spring chicken....

[Kevin]

I don't know enough about the situation. But Lou really isn't a spring chicken....

True, he will be 68 in Oct..

How old is Scotty Bowman?

He is still doing stuff now.

[El Mudo]

True, he will be 68 in Oct..

How old is Scotty Bowman?

He is still doing stuff now.

Scotty is like an "advisor" to his son Stan in Chicago.


Also, per @JeffMarek:

Sportsnet reports the Devils will not appeal the NHL's decision on Kovalchuk contract.

[Kevin]

Btw..

Kovi is going to Miami you idiots.

[HBox]

I highly doubt that if Kovalchuk signed this same deal with the Kings that Bettman would have done this.

[Kevin]

I highly doubt that if Kovalchuk signed this same deal with the Kings that Bettman would have done this.



Since when are the Devils this hated team that the league is out to get?

It was a blatent bad deal that would get shot down no matter the team.

[HBox]

Since when are the Devils this hated team that the league is out to get?

It was a blatent bad deal that would get shot down no matter the team.

My point is that the NHL wouldn't risk angering large fanbases or huge markets. Just look at where the deals they have let by have been, Pronger to Philly, Hossa to Chicago, Luongo in Vancouver, Franzen and Zetterburg in Detroit. Picking this fight with NJ won't cause nearly the uproar it would elsewhere.

[spoon]

It doesn't matter, who are you or the NHL to draw that line? There's nothing stated anywhere that 6 years of shitty pay or 2 years of shitty pay in a front loaded contract can't be done. It's that simple. Is 3 years ok? Is 4? What about 5?

Wait, who is the NHL to protect and govern it's own league? Come on H, don't be this guy again just bc it's your team. They NHL made the initial mistake by balking at the contracts of Hossa and Luongo which are structured in a very similar fashion to a much lesser extent.

The NHL HAD to step in right here and now and end this joke, and it seems Lou and the Devs expected it. I wouldn't even put it past being a setup bt the two to help the league overall. Lou so far seems to be fine with the NHL's call and we'll surely see the contract restructured soon and he'll end up in NJ anyway.

I have so much issue with guys like H that don't care how things impact the league, competition and or metrics of how contacts are handled just to benefit your team. I guess I should understand more how you root for the yanks now in the end bc this contract should never have even been drawn up, much less signed.

The NHL really should have stepped up on the devs earlier (05/06?) with Lou's manipulation of the Mogilny contract and sal cap. Here the NHL waited a few cap bypassing conracts too long, but it's the right call as this one was a COMPLETE JOKE.

[spoon]

First off, in your hypothetical I dont care if Pitt can match it or not. If they can't, let him go to the Rangers. I dont care if NY offers him 20 million for the first 5 years then $1,000 a year for the next 100 years.

Second, when has NJ EVER been a big bad bully with huge pockets pushing around small market teams? I've never once, in all my years, seen them go after a FA and drop 100 mil. If LA did it to Kovy then guess what? Good for them. It's their deal to live with.

It's absolutely not the right move. They got exposed and now they're trying to backpeddle. It's garbage

That's stupid yankee fan logic. Go watch MLB if that's what you want, I like teams earning their Stanley Cups.

[spoon]

I dont agree.

It would kill the sport.

Hockey isnt big enough to withstand teams losing fanbases because their teams cant compete.

They would go under.

Hell, they are having a hard time as it is.

They don't have money coming in like MLB from fox and espn.

Hockey has some of the most loyal fans in the world and it wouldn't go under bc of it, it would get boring and be much more one dimensional like mlb.

As for the money, many teams network through local foxs sports channels so it is often tied to Fox in a big way.

[spoon]

id agree with you kevin if they hadnt already let teams do it. If they had shut this shit down as soon as they realized, then fine. but they let a couple teams do it, and now said no to another team. So THAT is bullshit. Now the devils get fucked but the other teams that did are ok?

Like I said, the devs are reported now as saying they KNEW it would be rejected and I truly wouldn't put it past Lou and Bettman to have planned wrapping up this loophole being that they are great friends and he was a HUGE influence on most of Bettman's policies.

Also, once again, this contract isn't the first of it's kind but it's the most blatant in length and financial discrepancies. Truly the NHL had no choice here and it was the right move.

[spoon]

I agree with McKenzie....no deal has ever been this long, taken a player to the age of 44, nor offered so many years at such a low salary. Hell...the last six years of the deal he's making less than a million in AAV.

Plus, it also seems kinda fishy that the Devils capologist is Steve Pelligrini, who:



It's a pretty clear cut attempt to exploit a loophole. I just don't agree with the league's contention that it was "too difficult" to prove the Hossa and Pronger deals weren't done in "good faith".


I also wouldn't discount the fact that Lou HATES the deal.


Great points and clearly shows how deep Lou's ties to the league's policies are due to his closeness to Bettman.

[spoon]

Look, Bettman is the worst commish in sports..

He should not have let Hossa, Luango, Pronger and other deals go through because it was basicaly doing the same thing.

The NHL has warned teams not to do this for a while now.

And the Ilya deal just went over the edge.

I think the NHL had to put a stop to it.

If you want to tell me that the NHL should now go void those other deals, I am all for it.

But not voiding those deal still does not change that fact that this deal was a flat out attempt to get around the cap, almost HALF the contract is worth shit.

Just because you looked past mistakes in the past, does not mean you should keep doing them.

Now they have to not allow any other deal of this sort from happening or this whole thing was a bigger farce than it already is.

Selig is way worse.

[spoon]

Lou's comments (http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/kovalchuk_re-signing_signals_new_era_for_devils_under_owner_jef f_vanderbeek/)


Quote:
Although Lamoriello was strongly in favor of re-signing Kovalchuk, he also made it clear that he wasn’t a big fan of exploiting a loophole in the CBA and the salary cap by giving Kovalchuk the 17-year, $102 million contract.

For years, Lamoriello was the only one calling the shots on these kind of decisions. But he said this one was “the commitment that ownership has made.”

The man squarely behind it was Devils chairman and managing partner Jeff Vanderbeek, who was beaming at today’s news conference.
And this one

Quote:
While saying the Devils did nothing illegal in signing Ilya Kovalchuk to a 17-year, $102 million contract, general manager Lou Lamoriello admitted that such a deal was bad for the NHL and should be eliminated in the next CBA.

I asked Lamoriello what he would think if someone brought up Kovalchuk’s contract in the next round of CBA negotiations (in two years) and pointed to it as a flaw.

“I might agree,” he said. “But there is nothing that we have done wrong. This is within the rules. This is in the CBA. There are precedents that have been set. But I would agree we shouldn’t have these. But I’m also saying that because it’s legal and this is something that ownership felt comfortable doing for the right reasons.”

It was clear that ownership—headed by Jeff Vanderbeek—was behind this particular contract. Not that Lamoriello didn’t endorse bringing Kovalchuk back.

Still, Lamoriello said he “absolutely” rolled his eyes when the Islanders signed Rick DiPietro to a 15-year contract in 2006 and when Washington signed Alex Ovechkin to a 13-year contract in 2008. He also said he “absolutely” rolled his eyes when Kovalchuk’s contract was completed.

So why would he sign Kovalchuk to such a deal?.

“You’d have to speak to ownership about that,” Lamoriello said. “The commitment that ownership has made here, this is a commitment and a decision they wanted to make for this type of a player and all I can do is say whether the player is a player that will fit into the team, can help the team and is not a risk as a player. As far as what the financial commitment is and that aspect of it, that was out of my hands.”

And this one (http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/lou_lamoriello_admits_kovalchuk_contract_shouldnt_ be_part_of_nhl1/)

This is why I fully respect Lou and the NJ Dev's Stanley Cups of the past. He wins and doesn't do it at the expense of the league, it's teams or the contract structure. I truly think he had a lot to do with this contract being nixed, as I don't even think Bettman has the balls to do so, let alone stand up to Lou. This may have been a power play on the part of Lou against ownership taking more control and making a stupid contract offer. To me, this is a guy who won in w/o any crazy advantage, he was just that good. I can't even come CLOSE to saying the same about Cashman and George.

[spoon]

I highly doubt that if Kovalchuk signed this same deal with the Kings that Bettman would have done this.

I love hearing yankee fans cry about nixed contracts. Arod anyone? Just hearing yankee fans cry about contracts and league interaction or lack there of is hilarious. :wallbash:

[spoon]

My point is that the NHL wouldn't risk angering large fanbases or huge markets. Just look at where the deals they have let by have been, Pronger to Philly, Hossa to Chicago, Luongo in Vancouver, Franzen and Zetterburg in Detroit. Picking this fight with NJ won't cause nearly the uproar it would elsewhere.

So by your logic the NHL should have made another mistake, with an exponentially more blatant abuse bc it's a smaller market team. Like it or not, this was the right move your GM even agreed with overall.

[HBox]

I love hearing yankee fans cry about nixed contracts. Arod anyone? Just hearing yankee fans cry about contracts and league interaction or lack there of is hilarious. :wallbash:

Yes, this clearly needed to happen or else the New Jersey Devils, the third most popular team in its market who had to hold Stanley Cup parades in their parades in parking lots and possible future ones in NEWARK, will dominate the NHL with their truck loads of money.

The NHL pretty much wrote this CBA and forced it on a broken NHLPA. They have no one to blame for this but themselves. Making the Devils play under different rules than everyone else isn't nearly fair. And is competitive balance really a problem in the NHL? Is it anywhere near a problem in the NHL? When was the last time a team went on a spending spree, circumventing the salary cap and had success?

I think the only organization who should be happy about all this is SKA St. Petersburg, quite frankly.

[spoon]

Yes, this clearly needed to happen or else the New Jersey Devils, the third most popular team in its market who had to hold Stanley Cup parades in their parades in parking lots and possible future ones in NEWARK, will dominate the NHL with their truck loads of money.

The NHL pretty much wrote this CBA and forced it on a broken NHLPA. They have no one to blame for this but themselves. Making the Devils play under different rules than everyone else isn't nearly fair. And is competitive balance really a problem in the NHL? Is it anywhere near a problem in the NHL? When was the last time a team went on a spending spree, circumventing the salary cap and had success?

I think the only organization who should be happy about all this is SKA St. Petersburg, quite frankly.

That's the very point, it's not about the Devils it's about the league. Also, there isn't a competitive balance issue in the NHL at all, so why let it start? Do I think this would lead the Devs in that path? Absolutely not. Yet as Kev stated, it would really start in no time at all and I commend the NHL for stepping up here. This contract was an albatross compared to the other contracts you speak of and this was finally the line. I didn't like the other contracts in any way, but this one was even worse.

[HBox]

That's the very point, it's not about the Devils it's about the league. Also, there isn't a competitive balance issue in the NHL at all, so why let it start? Do I think this would lead the Devs in that path? Absolutely not. Yet as Kev stated, it would really start in no time at all and I commend the NHL for stepping up here. This contract was an albatross compared to the other contracts you speak of and this was finally the line. I didn't like the other contracts in any way, but this one was even worse.

The CBA expires after next season anyway. As far as these gross contracts, this was it. And if the NHL allowed this to continue in a new CBA they deserve what happens. This move is meaningless. It's basically just a fuck you to the Devils and one of their best players.

Eh, nevermind, the CBA expires after 2011-2012.

I still don't see how these contracts are tipping competitve balance. Look at what's happening in Philly and Chicago. These contracts don't save all that much cap space anyway.

[spoon]

The CBA expires after next season anyway. As far as these gross contracts, this was it. And if the NHL allowed this to continue in a new CBA they deserve what happens. This move is meaningless. It's basically just a fuck you to the Devils and one of their best players.

Eh, nevermind, the CBA expires after 2011-2012.

I still don't see how these contracts are tipping competitve balance. Look at what's happening in Philly and Chicago. These contracts don't save all that much cap space anyway.

First off, it's not to hit the fucking devils and "their" best players. You're being completely myopic focusing only on your teams immediate impact and I'm not sure why (seeing as how you defend the yankees) I expected more from you. I generally regard you are a smart kid, but to only see this as a setback to the Devils constructed just to fuck them isn't very bright.

[HBox]

First off, it's not to hit the fucking devils and "their" best players. You're being completely myopic focusing only on your teams immediate impact and I'm not sure why (seeing as how you defend the yankees) I expected more from you. I generally regard you are a smart kid, but to only see this as a setback to the Devils constructed just to fuck them isn't very bright.

I only said that when I read somewhere that the CBA expired after this season. Then this move would have been completely meaningless. And I didn't mean the Devil's best players, I meant one of the league's best players. I don't think in any event the Devils were targeted, I just think they were an easy target and Bettman doesn't have the balls to do this to one of the NHL's important markets. If Kovalchuk was never traded and Atlanta signed him to this deal I think the same thing would have happened. If he signed in LA or NY or Detroit? No way does Bettman kill the deal, IMO.

I still don't see how these deals are hurting the NHL. The cap is working well.

[El Mudo]

I highly doubt that if Kovalchuk signed this same deal with the Kings that Bettman would have done this.

I'm fairly sure the deal the Kings offered him was for 12 and not 17. Atlanta offered him 10.

My point is that the NHL wouldn't risk angering large fanbases or huge markets. Just look at where the deals they have let by have been, Pronger to Philly, Hossa to Chicago, Luongo in Vancouver, Franzen and Zetterburg in Detroit. Picking this fight with NJ won't cause nearly the uproar it would elsewhere.



Why do people keep bringing up the Pronger deal? Its a 35+ Contract, which means the Flyers are taking the cap hit even if he retires. It's a completely different issue.

Great points and clearly shows how deep Lou's ties to the league's policies are due to his closeness to Bettman.

Yep. Lou pretty much WROTE the CBA for the league.

I only said that when I read somewhere that the CBA expired after this season. Then this move would have been completely meaningless. And I didn't mean the Devil's best players, I meant one of the league's best players. I don't think in any event the Devils were targeted, I just think they were an easy target and Bettman doesn't have the balls to do this to one of the NHL's important markets. If Kovalchuk was never traded and Atlanta signed him to this deal I think the same thing would have happened. If he signed in LA or NY or Detroit? No way does Bettman kill the deal, IMO.

I still don't see how these deals are hurting the NHL. The cap is working well.

They're hurting the NHL because they're circumventing the "spirit" of the CBA. If you extend a guy for a thousand years at an extremely low price like Kovalchuk, whom, if he plays till 44, or even 40, I will eat my own hat, its to deliberately circumvent the rules, which is illegal. They're trying to stretch a huge contract into a tiny cap hit, and that's not allowed.

[Kevin]

I only said that when I read somewhere that the CBA expired after this season. Then this move would have been completely meaningless. And I didn't mean the Devil's best players, I meant one of the league's best players. I don't think in any event the Devils were targeted, I just think they were an easy target and Bettman doesn't have the balls to do this to one of the NHL's important markets. If Kovalchuk was never traded and Atlanta signed him to this deal I think the same thing would have happened. If he signed in LA or NY or Detroit? No way does Bettman kill the deal, IMO.

I still don't see how these deals are hurting the NHL. The cap is working well.



It absoulty matters.

Even when Kovi is making 11.5 mil in those years, the cap hit will be 6. A 5.5mil diff is HUGE.

And this deal will go beyond the next CBA because of it.

[Kevin]

Hossa's in the other hand his high salary is 7.9, and the avg is like 5.9. Thats 2mil.

[El Mudo]

The deal has SIX years of a sub 1 million dollar salary. Were they somehow not expecting the league to look twice at that? Hossa's and Luongo's contracts never drop below a million, and then only for four and two years respectively.

[spoon]

I only said that when I read somewhere that the CBA expired after this season. Then this move would have been completely meaningless. And I didn't mean the Devil's best players, I meant one of the league's best players. I don't think in any event the Devils were targeted, I just think they were an easy target and Bettman doesn't have the balls to do this to one of the NHL's important markets. If Kovalchuk was never traded and Atlanta signed him to this deal I think the same thing would have happened. If he signed in LA or NY or Detroit? No way does Bettman kill the deal, IMO.

I still don't see how these deals are hurting the NHL. The cap is working well.

Bettman may not be a good commish overall, but pussy he is not. If anything, he's a brazen douchey man who sticks to his ideals no matter how wrong. He was the first commissioner this game ever had and he moved many teams to the US in the face of Canadian horror and sacrificed a full season to get better control over the game. Hell, he did break down the NHLPA in a major way, so much that we were able to have the NHL we do today. Still, it also means the NHL is on Versus instead of ESPN bc he simply refuses to back down.

I truly believe it's this contract in it's extreme length, size and pay variations that makes it the sticking point to closing this loophole. To me, he would have stepped up here no matter where if the contract was the same. It had to be done.


The current CBA explains circumvention as the following in section 26.3:

(a) No Club or Club Actor, directly or indirectly, may: (i) enter into any agreements, promises, undertakings, representations, commitments, inducements, assurances of intent, or understandings of any kind, whether express, implied, oral or written, including without limitation, any SPC, Qualifying Offer, Offer Sheet or other transaction, or (ii) take or fail to take any action whatsoever, if either (i) or (ii) is intended to or has the effect of defeating or Circumventing the provisions of this Agreement or the intention of the parties as reflected by the provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation, provisions with respect to the financial and other reporting obligations of the Clubs and the League, Team Payroll Range, Player Compensation Cost Redistribution System, the Entry Level System and/or Free Agency.

[Kevin]

The deal has SIX years of a sub 1 million dollar salary. Were they somehow not expecting the league to look twice at that? Hossa's and Luongo's contracts never drop below a million, and then only for four and two years respectively.



I think Hossa is due to make 750k his final 2 years.

I could be wrong.

But its still not 6.

[spoon]

I think Hossa is due to make 750k his final 2 years.

I could be wrong.

But its still not 6.

Oh the Hossa one is the next worst and probably the line. NJ didn't just cross it, they went miles past it.

[spoon]

Want to see the difference? Take a look at one of my research site favorites for a few players with shady contracts in my mind. Make it a point to look at the salary to cap hit difference, along with length and pay at those final years.

Ilya Kovalchuk (http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=339)

Henrik Zetterberg (http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=281)

Alexander Ovechkin (http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=847)
Washington taking the high road.

Marian Hossa (http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=291)

Roberto Luongo (http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=683)


I think it's obvious most were trying to go around the cap, but nobody even close to this magnitude. The NHL made the right call bc the next step would just be insane. 30 year contracts at a 1 mil cap hit paying a guy 30 million a year in the first 5? :thumbdown:

[Kevin]

Want to see the difference? Take a look at one of my research site favorites for a few players with shady contracts in my mind. Make it a point to look at the salary to cap hit difference, along with length and pay at those final years.

Ilya Kovalchuk (http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=339)

Henrik Zetterberg (http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=281)

Alexander Ovechkin (http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=847)
Washington taking the high road.

Marian Hossa (http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=291)

Roberto Luongo (http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=683)


I think it's obvious most were trying to go around the cap, but nobody even close to this magnitude. The NHL made the right call bc the next step would just be insane. 30 year contracts at a 1 mil cap hit paying a guy 30 million a year in the first 5? :thumbdown:



Rangers anybody?

[spoon]

Rangers anybody?

yah but they would still lose :lol:

[Kevin]

yah but they would still lose :lol:



Redskins of hockey.

[TheGameHHH]

thoughts on an NHL Larry Bird Rule?

http://rickbartolotta.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/the-larry-bird-rule-nhl-version/

[spoon]

thoughts on an NHL Larry Bird Rule?

http://rickbartolotta.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/the-larry-bird-rule-nhl-version/

I've always liked a rule similar to this in any sport, (not baseball if the amateur free agent loophole isn't closed), but not at only 3 years and that financial structure. Players should have to be on the major league team for more years than that to get this huge exemption, bc let's think about it, guys like CC in NYY, Santana in NYM, Luongo in Vanc, Moss in NE would all be considered "hometown" players. I'd be up for a draft based rule or trade based, meaning NO free agents of any kind would ever qualify for said rule and or extra money similar to the LeBron financial issues based on if he stayed in Cleveland.

[keithy_19]

Way to go NHLPA.

[spoon]

gay

[keithy_19]

gay

I hope this deal holds up. But yeah, it's obvious why.

[spoon]

I hope this deal holds up. But yeah, it's obvious why.

even if it does, you may end up dreading it next year

you'll have virtually no room to lock up parise, not good (Avs will take him off ur hands)

[keithy_19]

even if it does, you may end up dreading it next year

you'll have virtually no room to lock up parise, not good (Avs will take him off ur hands)

They'll have enough room. Arnott's contract is up, and they'll move some bodies. Parise is going to be a Devil for the long run.

And apparently Frolov is going to the Rangers.

[keithy_19]

While at a bar, FSNY was on and I was watching out of my eye reports about Kovalchuk playing in Russia. The sound was turned down so I didn't really get anything of subtance out of the pictures that they flashed.

Anyone hear about anything about him wanting to go to Russia now?

[spoon]

I heard both the NHL and NHLPA want to get this thing restructured quickly and an arbitrator is already close to being selected that they both agree on. I sense it'll be shortened and spread out better, but who knows. I'm sure he can actually void any new deal if he feels so off put.

[El Mudo]

While at a bar, FSNY was on and I was watching out of my eye reports about Kovalchuk playing in Russia. The sound was turned down so I didn't really get anything of subtance out of the pictures that they flashed.

Anyone hear about anything about him wanting to go to Russia now?

The Prez of the KHL offered him a 17 year deal and choice of team (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/KHL-President-offers-Kovalchuk-17-year-deal-cho?urn=nhl-258875)

Also, the arbitrator awarded Blake Wheeler 2.2 million in his case, and I think Niemi's decision is due today